Canadians Will Be The Death Of Us All

Canadian researchers have identified a new type of microscopic organism, hemimastigotes, which is so unique that it forms an entirely new branch on the tree of life. Unlike anything previously classified, these organisms don't fit within the plant, animal, or any other known kingdom.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/organisms-found-on-hike-in-the-woods-are-like-no-other-life-on-earth/ar-AA1tK49J?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=3480b5799932434c86face1c3d632fdd&ei=61

Dalhousie University graduate student Yana Eglit stumbled upon the hemimastigotes while collecting soil samples during a hike in Nova Scotia. Little did she know that a few tablespoons of dirt would reveal organisms, unlike any others. After bringing the soil back to the lab and reviving it with water, Eglit observed the rare microbes under a microscope, igniting a scientific journey that led to an incredible discovery.

Unique Movement Caught Her Attention
Weeks after collecting the sample, Eglit noticed something intriguing: a tiny, pistachio-shaped microbe covered in hair-like structures called flagella. Instead of moving in coordinated waves like other microbes with flagella, this one displayed random, quirky movements. Eglit recognized it as a rare hemimastigote due to its unusual motion, something she had seen only once before.